Jennifer Hudson performs onstage during the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre on April 1, 2024, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Amy Sussman / Getty
Before there was the talk show and the movie appearances, there was a stage and a 21-year old woman from Chicago.
Twenty years later and Jennifer Hudson has only gone on to do amazing things, including winning multiple awards that further prove just how talented she truly is.
MORE: Jennifer Hudson Becomes Second Black Woman To Reach Elite EGOT Status With 2022 Tony Award
Raised in the church, Hudson has never strayed too far away from her roots and has a soulful sound that reflects her gospel upbringing through every performance.
Via GlobalGrind.com:
Jennifer Hudson is set to bring holiday cheer with her debut holiday album, The Gift of Love. As she celebrates the return of “The Jennifer Hudson Show’s” third season return, the acclaimed entertainer also announces her first every holiday album with a mix of seasonal classics and original songs.
The Gift of Love is slated for release on October 18 under Interscope Records. This album marks Hudson’s first venture into holiday music, showcasing her unparalleled vocal talent across a mix of Christmas classics and fresh tracks
The album features Hudson’s renditions of beloved holiday favorites such as “O Holy Night,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Auld Lang Syne,” all delivered with her signature soulful style. In addition to these timeless songs, the album introduces new original pieces, breathing fresh meaning into the holiday season. Among the standout tracks is “Carol of the Bells,” a collaboration with The Joy, a South African quintet known for their fusion of traditional Zulu music and modern a cappella. Another highlight is “Almost Christmas,” an original song featuring Grammy Award winner Common, which promises to become a holiday staple.
Over the years, Hudson has delivered stellar performances that “took us to church” and it didn’t even have to be Sunday morning. Leaving an imprint and an impression on her fans, the American Idol turned Dream Girl has consistently proven that she holds some of the most powerful vocals of her generation. Her ability to mesh range, her gospel roots, and pure emotion makes every performance feel like a deeply moving experience.
MORE: How Jennifer Hudson Manages Work, Motherhood And Creating Time For Herself
As we celebrated her birthday on September 12, here are a handful of moments Jennifer Hudson leaned into her gospel roots and immediately took us to church.
5 Notable Times When Jennifer Hudson Leaned Into Her Gospel Roots
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1. Jennifer Hudson – “Circle of Life”
Everyone loves The Lion King, but having Jennifer Hudson perform one of its staple songs during a live taping of American Idol in 2004 was a special occasion. Hudson has sung her rendition of the iconic “Circle of Life” song on multiple occasions since American Idol, including at “The Lion King” premiere and most recently at The Hollywood Bowl where she put her own gospel spin on the performance.
2. Jennifer Hudson – “Star Spangled Banner”
Jennifer Hudson’s 2009 Super Bowl performance of The Star Spangled Banner had people talking for months. A song that only a few can do justice, Hudson definitely brought soul and the church to the stadium.
3. Jennifer Hudson – “I Will Always Love You”
At the 2010 BET Honors, Jennifer channeled Whitney Houston when she gave a tribute to the late, great songstress. The jaw-dropping performance might causes a few eyes to water.
4. Jennifer Hudson – “Amazing Grace”
What a pleasure it must have been to sing at Aretha Franklin’s home going service in 2018. Jennifer Hudson blessed the room with her range and vocals, singing an emotional performance of “Amazing Grace” from the deep depths of her soul.
5. Jennifer Hudson – “Hallelujah”
Jennifer Hudson floored the crowd as she sang “Hallelujah” at Global Citizen’s Prize Awards in 2019. The perfect song for the occasion and the perfect person to sing it. Church was indeed had.
